Across The Universe
Element of Crime Lyrics


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Words are flowing out like
Endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe.
Pools of sorrow waves of joy
Are drifting through my opened mind
Possessing and caressing me.

Jai Guru Deva. Om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Images of broken light, which
Dance before me like a million eyes,
They call me on and on across the universe.
Thoughts meander like a
Restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe.

Jai Guru Deva. Om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter, shades of life
Are ringing through my opened ears
Inciting and inviting me.
Limitless undying love, which
Shines around me like a million suns,
It calls me on and on across the universe

Jai Guru Deva.
Jai Guru Deva.
Jai Guru Deva.
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world




Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Overall Meaning

In the opening stanza of Across the Universe, John Lennon is describing the flow of words and thoughts within his mind. He notes that they are in constant motion, slipping away like rain into a cup, and wandering aimlessly like waves in an open mind. The use of "slither" suggests a certain unpredictability, as if these thoughts can be dangerous and uncontrollable. However, despite their chaotic nature, the singer emphasizes the power of these thoughts as they "possess and caress" him.


The refrain of "Jai Guru Deva Om" is a mantra used in Transcendental Meditation, which Lennon was practicing at the time. It is repeated throughout the song and serves as a meditative interlude between the verses. The singer seems to be finding solace in this repetition, asserting that "nothing's gonna change my world." It suggests a sense of acceptance and peace in the face of the ever-moving thoughts in his mind.


In the second stanza, Lennon shifts to images that evoke a sense of wonder and mystery. "Images of broken light" and "a million eyes" create an otherworldly atmosphere. These images continue to call to the singer, evoking a sense of longing and perhaps even pain. His thoughts are unpredictable, tumbling blindly as they move across the universe. The repetition of the refrain suggests that even as these images and thoughts continue to overwhelm him, he remains grounded in his meditative practice.


In the final stanza, Lennon shifts to sensory experiences, noting the sounds of laughter and the shades of life that ring in his ears. He then turns to the idea of love, describing it as "limitless undying" and comparing it to a million suns. Despite the chaos of his thoughts and the vastness of the universe, he is still capable of experiencing love and connection. The repetition of "Jai Guru Deva" serves as a reminder that this connection is ever-present and unchanging.


Line by Line Meaning

Words are flowing out like Endless rain into a paper cup They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe.
The words that are flowing out are like endless rain that end up in a paper cup. They move in a wild slithering motion as they escape across the universe.


Pools of sorrow waves of joy Are drifting through my opened mind Possessing and caressing me.
My mind is open and unguarded, allowing joy and sorrow to drift in and take over my thoughts and emotions, possessing and comforting me.


Jai Guru Deva. Om Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world
Repeating 'Jai Guru Deva Om' indicates a spiritual surrender to the universe. The following lines mean that nothing in this world can alter the state of my spirituality.


Images of broken light, which Dance before me like a million eyes, They call me on and on across the universe.
The shattered bits of light seem like a million eyes, dancing and beckoning me to follow them across the universe.


Thoughts meander like a Restless wind inside a letter box They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe.
Random thoughts are like a wind inside a letter box, aimlessly tumbling as they move across the universe with no clear direction.


Sounds of laughter, shades of life Are ringing through my opened ears Inciting and inviting me.
The sounds of laughter and different tones of life are ringing in my ears, sparking and coaxing me with an encouragement to live life to the fullest.


Limitless undying love, which Shines around me like a million suns, It calls me on and on across the universe
An infinite love is present that shines brilliantly like a million suns, guiding and calling me to follow it across the universe.


Jai Guru Deva. Jai Guru Deva. Jai Guru Deva. Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world Nothing's gonna change my world
The spiritual mantra 'Jai Guru Deva' is repeated to remind that surrender to the universe is powerful enough to anchor the belief that nothing can shake the spirituality.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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